The First Elmira Scouts are on a mission — they have to move their equipment storage building to a new location, and they need the money to do it.
So far, the organization — which is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2012 — has managed to raise approximately $20,000 of the estimated $25,000 to $30,000 cost of moving the building.
That’s been through support from local organizations such as Elmira Kiwanis and Elmira Lions, which have each contributed $5,000, and the Woolwich Community Foundation, which has contributed $3,053, among other organizations that include the Paradise Lake Lions, the St. Jacobs Lions, the St. Jacobs Optimists, the Elmira Optimists and the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival committee.
Now, they are reaching out to former Cubs, Beavers, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers — as well as past leaders — in hopes of raising the final amount necessary for the move.
The move from its current location on Martin’s Lane is necessary because of the proposed biogas facility that could be built in that area. Once the funding for the move comes in, the shed will be moved to its new location, next to the Rover’s Den on township-owned land.
It makes sense, given that the Rover’s Den (the former lawn bowling club building) is often used for Scout meetings. To have the Scout shed nearby will make it handy for the organization.
It has taken nearly two years of work for the First Elmira Scouts to get to this point, having to get the necessary approvals from both the township of Woolwich and Scouts Canada for the move, not to mention the Grand River Conservation Area, since the new building will be placed in a floodplain area.
Now that the approvals are in place, and almost enough money has been raised, the next phase of the project is set to begin.
They hope to get some work done this fall, perhaps with the pouring of the foundation for the building. In spring, they hope to complete the project.
The Scout shed, which has been in existence for more than 25 years, has been a vital part of providing a rich Scouting experience for its members.
That’s because it houses equipment for camping such as canoes, tents, cooking supplies and outdoor camps.
“We do a disproportionate amount of camping compared to other area Scouts,” said John Mathers, who is part of the committee that is working on the move.
Before the shed existed, leaders would have to house the equipment in their homes.
“We lived with that a long time,” said committee member Ron Cressman.
Those interested in helping out the project should contact Cressman at rkcressman@0yahoo.com, or by phone at 519-669-8610.
In the meantime, registration for this year of Scouting is set up for Thursday, Sept. 9 at Lions Hall.
Scouting runs from age 5 to 17, through Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers. Approximately 100 local youth participated in the program last year.